OREI · HDMI Adapters · BKA-1

OREI BKA-1 Review: 4K/120Hz HDMI Audio Extraction for PS5 and Xbox

The OREI BKA-1 is a single-input HDMI 2.1 audio extractor designed to add optical and 3.5mm audio outputs without giving up high-bandwidth gaming features. It can pass up to 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz, along with VRR, ALLM and major HDR formats. It is especially useful for connecting a PS5, Xbox Series X or another HDMI source to older speakers, optical gaming headsets or displays without suitable audio outputs. Its main limitations are the absence of full eARC support, restricted optical and analog formats, and no built-in audio decoding or downmixing.

Video summary

Tech Steve demonstrates three practical BKA-1 setups: adding external speakers to a display without audio outputs, connecting a newer television to older analog or optical audio equipment, and restoring optical audio for gaming headsets used with a PS5. He connects PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles and shows their menus reporting 4K/120Hz, VRR and HDR capabilities while routed through the extractor. He also recommends using HDMI 2.1 cables shorter than 10 feet and emphasizes that the adapter cannot make a 60Hz display operate at 120Hz.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

Buy the BKA-1 if you need optical or stereo analog audio from a modern console while retaining 4K/120Hz video. It is a practical bridge for older audio equipment, but you must configure the source for a format supported by the chosen output.

The OREI BKA-1 sits between one HDMI source and a display, passing video to its HDMI output while extracting audio through optical or 3.5mm connections. It supports up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz video, major HDR formats and gaming features such as VRR and ALLM. Selectable EDID modes help advertise an appropriate audio format to the source, while ARC support allows compatible television audio to be routed to older sound equipment.

Gaming compatibility

The BKA-1 is specified for 48Gbps FRL passthrough, including 4K at 120 Hz with 4:4:4 12-bit video. VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT and SBTM passthrough are listed for compatible sources and displays. Tech Steve demonstrated PS5 and Xbox Series X connections reporting 120Hz support. A native 120Hz display is still required—the extractor cannot add 120Hz capability to a 60Hz screen.

Audio support

Audio can be extracted through optical S/PDIF or a 3.5mm stereo output. Optical is limited to PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1, while the analog connection requires PCM 2.0. Lossless Dolby and DTS formats can pass through HDMI, but they cannot be carried by the optical or analog outputs. Because the BKA-1 does not decode or downmix audio, the source and EDID setting must provide a format supported by the selected output.

What we like

Passes up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz video while extracting audio.
Preserves VRR and ALLM for compatible gaming equipment.
Adds both optical S/PDIF and 3.5mm stereo outputs.
Selectable EDID modes help match source audio to the connected equipment.
Supports ARC audio extraction from a compatible television.
Compact metal enclosure with low listed power consumption.

What to consider

Only one HDMI source input, so it cannot replace an HDMI switch.
Optical audio is limited to PCM 2.0, Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1.
The 3.5mm output accepts PCM stereo only.
No audio decoding or downmixing for incompatible multichannel formats.
Television return audio is ARC rather than full-bandwidth eARC.
No video downscaling and no HDMI cables are included.

Tech Steve verdict

The OREI BKA-1 is a strong fit for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners who need optical or 3.5mm audio without sacrificing 4K/120Hz, VRR or HDR passthrough. Its selectable EDID modes and ARC extraction make it flexible enough for monitors, televisions, gaming headsets and older speaker systems. The tradeoffs are important: it has only one HDMI input, optical and analog audio are format-limited, it cannot downmix incompatible audio, and its television return-audio feature is ARC rather than full-bandwidth eARC. Choose it when preserving modern video features is the priority, but use a different solution if you need multiple source inputs or lossless multichannel audio from a television.

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

Advanced EDID Management

Selectable EDID settings let the extractor copy the connected display's capabilities or advertise predefined video and 2.0-channel or 5.1-channel audio capabilities to the source.